As you are likely aware, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—a federal program that provides monthly food benefits to low-income individuals and families across the country—has been delayed due to the government shutdown. While it is unclear when these benefits will return, we know that millions of people around the country will be scrambling for food this month. This impacts 1.4 million people in North Carolina and nearly 30,000 in Buncombe County alone. The state health department also said benefits under the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) could also be disrupted, impacting another 4,600 Buncombe County residents.
We invite you to pray for a swift solution to the federal government shutdown, advocate with your representatives as you feel the Spirit’s leading, and take concrete, tangible action with your time and resources.
We are connected with and supportive of a number of organizations doing incredible work around food insecurity, hunger, and food justice in Buncombe County, and unsurprisingly, they are stepping up in this crucial moment to fill gaps as they are able. Our friends at Equal Plates summarized the situation clearly: “This moment is bigger than any one organization. It will take all of us—farmers, neighbors, volunteers, and donors—to make sure no one in our community goes hungry.” There are many, many more, but here are some organizations that we know and trust, doing great work with immediate impact.
MANNA Food Bank
Manna has set up a “Where to Get Help” page on their website, which includes a Food Helpline phone number.
Donations to Manna—food and funding—will go a long way at this time.
ABCCM (Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry)
Like Manna, ABCCM has an updated “Get Help” page on their website with a listed phone number.
ABCCM has ministries focused on Veterans Services, Medical Ministry, Homeless Ministry, and Crisis Ministry, which includes food pantries, including one downtown.
BeLoved Asheville
BeLoved just announced a new project they are calling the EAT Card, distributed to schools and senior communities to extend essential care when EBT cards have run out. You can learn more and donate here.
Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry
SVCM has a “neighbor choice” food pantry that residents can utilize once every three weeks. They accept donations and volunteers—learn more here.
Asheville Poverty Initiative and 12 Baskets Cafe
12 Baskets Café is open to all on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings and afternoons. Donate on the website; come serve and share a meal!
Bountiful Cities
Bountiful Cities, one of our 2025 Mission Endowment grant recipients, is working every day to strengthen food security and food access by supporting the production of hyper-local food in our neighborhoods, helping residents grow and share fresh food within walking distance from home. Their FEAST program in many local schools teaches lifelong skills in growing and preparing fresh food. Learn more, donate, or volunteer.
Food Connection
One of our 2024 Mission Endowment grant recipients, Food Connection serves a free meal most days of the week, also on a rotating location schedule, found online here.
Wider Circle Meal Ministry in Clyde, NC
We began spreading the word about this Tuesday-Saturday daily meal ministry (9:30 am to 6:30 pm) in the summer, and their needs continue as their meal numbers grow. Contact David Germer to be connected with the volunteers coordinator, who is happy to work with and schedule individuals or small groups.
Our own Saturday Sanctuary ministry
We’ve already seen a significant increase in numbers—serving 55, 65, and 85 meals so far—compared to the opening months of our past three years. We suspect that our numbers will increase in November, possibly dramatically. We will alert the congregation as to what we are seeing (possibly adding a training opportunity), and will rely heavily on trained volunteers to step up to fill our schedule, in this time.
We are grateful for the partnership of Equal Plates, who continue to step up to fill in gaps and could use additional volunteers!